50 LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 



but would check the growth of valuable plants. 

 They are particularly fond of wood that is old 

 and dry, or beginning to decay; while they have 

 no relish for healthy, vigorous trees, which do 

 not require to be destroyed. 



Insects are particularly useful in clearing 

 away all animal and vegetable substances, and 

 have sometimes been called the " Scavengers of 

 Nature." 



These ants are considered excellent food by 

 some of the African nations. The Hottentots 

 eat them, raw or boiled, and frequently become 

 fat upon them. They bring large kettles full 

 of them to their houses, and sometimes parch 

 them in iron pots over a gentle fire, and in this 

 state, without sauce of any kind, serve them up 

 as a delicious dish ; they are said to taste much 

 like sugar and cream. In the East Indies they 

 catch thorn in large quantities, and make pies 

 of them. 



You do not appear to be at all tired of my 

 Ant story, but I believe I have now told you as 

 much as I can recollect. Do you think of any- 

 thing else you would particularly like to hear 

 abcut ? 



